Summary

These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.

This study explores the relationship qualities and the subjective meanings that motivate adolescent behavior. More specifically, this study seeks to examine the nature and meaning of adolescent relationship experiences (e.g., with family, peers, and dating partners) in an effort to discover how experiences associated with age, gender, race, and ethnicity influence the meaning of dating relationships. The study further investigates the relative impact of dating partners and peers on sexual behavior and contraceptive practices, as well as involvement in other problem behaviors that can contribute independently to sexual risk taking.

The longitudinal design of the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (TARS) includes a schedule of follow-up interviews occurring one, three, and five years after the initial interview. Four prior waves of data have been collected (2001, 2002, 2004, and 2006). Data were collected from adolescent respondents through structured in-home interviews utilizing laptop computers.

In addition, the fifth wave, conducted in 2011 when the participants were young adults, builds on prior waves by adding quantitative and qualitative assessments of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Geographic Coverage

Smallest Geographic Unit

county

Restrictions

Access to these data is restricted. Users interested in obtaining these data must complete a Restricted Data Use Agreement, specify the reason for the request, and obtain IRB approval or notice of exemption for their research.

Distributor(s)

Time Period(s)

2011-03 -- 2012-12

Date of Collection

2011-03 -- 2012-12

Data Collection Notes

These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.

Study Purpose

The purpose of the study was to describe the demographic patterning of physical perpetration and victimization, psychological abuse, and sexual coercion; to explore similarities and differences in the nature, qualities and dynamics within violent and non-violent relationships; and to investigate the situational contexts of violence by analyzing the progression of abuse within particular relationships.

Study Design

The research design builds on the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (TARS), a 4-wave multi-method, longitudinal investigation of teen dating and sexual relationships, including information about physical violence, psychological abuse and sexual coercion (perpetration and victimization) gathered at each wave. In the fifth wave the interviews were conducted largely in person (71.6%) and on-line. For in-person interviews data were entered directly into a laptop computer, first by the interviewer, and subsequently by respondents, who entered all personal responses directly, to ensure privacy.

Sample

The sampling frame was derived from public and private
school enrollment records in Lucas County, Ohio. School attendance, however, was not a requirement for inclusion. A stratified, random sample (n=1,316) was then drawn from all 7th, 9th, and 11th grade youth residing in Lucas County in the fall of 2000. 1,021 of these respondents (77.6%) participated in the fifth wave of data collection.

Time Method

Longitudinal

Universe

Young adults who were in the 7th, 9th, and 11th grade in Lucas County, Ohio during the 2000-2001 school year.

Unit(s) of Observation

individual

Data Type(s)

survey data

Mode of Data Collection

computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI)

computer-assisted self interview (CASI)

face-to-face interview

Description of Variables

TARS Wave 5 (n=1,021; 1,837 variables) includes variables in the following categories:

Background

School

Household roster

Marriage

Cohabitation

Work

Parent

Friends

Self and behavior

Dating and intimacy

Romantic relationship partner

No romantic relationship partner

Relationship violence

Sexual history

Non-romantic relationship sex

Pregnancy history

Parenting

Health and risky behavior

Criminal history

Religion and spirituality

See the TARS Wave 5 questionnaire (included in study documentation) for more details.

Response Rates

1,021 respondents participated in the fifth wave of data collection, 77.6% of the original sample (n=1,316 at the first wave).

Original Release Date

Version Date

Weight

Three weight variables are included: WT_W5, WT_W1W5, and WT_W1W2W5.

Notes

These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.

The public-use data files in this collection are available for access by the general public. Access does not require affiliation with an ICPSR member institution.

One or more files in this data collection have special restrictions. Restricted data files are not available for direct download from the website; click on the Restricted Data button to learn more.

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